Matt Prior column

While the first Test against Sri Lanka in Kandy was ultimately disappointing, I can honestly say the mood in the England camp remains buoyant.

It goes without saying that we didn't want to go one down in the series, but there is a huge amount the team can take away from the way we performed and, with two Tests left, we can still come away with a series win.

In Kandy, we dominated the opening couple of days and went agonisingly close to saving the match so, with a bit more luck and an improvement here and there, we know we have what it takes to be successful here.

For a start, Ian Bell was absolutely brilliant throughout the Test. He really has hit the ground running in this series and is the one we can all take a lead from.

And from an individual point of view, I thoroughly enjoyed batting on the final day and loved every minute of the challenge.

When you're growing up as a kid and batting in the playground, it's always the greats you imagine facing.

For me, that meant the likes of Allan Donald or Curtly Ambrose, and so to go out in a Test and face a legend like Muttiah Muralitharan - the greatest wicket-taker ever - was a real privilege.

Source: BBC Sport